Baby M (should I be calling her toddler M now?) is obsessed with ‘side. She wakes up talking about ‘side. She goes to bed talking about ‘side. She doesn’t care if it’s raining or 95 degrees out, she only wants ‘side.
Read moreThe Best Books About Dads (for Father’s Day 2022)
Today I’m sharing the best dad books for Father’s Day 2022! These books make excellent gifts for dads for holidays or even gifts for new dads!
My daughter and husband love to read together – I know I’ll be adding some of these titles to our collection this year.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.
I don’t know about you, but we have books strewn all over our house. They’re everywhere. There are books for the bathtub, books for the stroller, books for grandparents’ houses and books for the car….
“Can you read your book while you wait” is an everyday phrase in our house. My daughter has been a voracious reader since the beginning. I love how much she loves to read! I credit our dedication to reading every day since birth (okay, not every day, I’m human).
In my experience, reading and parenting go hand in hand!
There’s nothing sweeter than having my daughter crawl into my lap with her favorite book. As much as I love our snuggles during Puffin Rock or Elmo, reading a great children’s book with her is a joy like no other.
Looking for a gift for mom too? Check out our Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life!
When is Father’s Day this year?
Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 19th, 2022. Father’s Day is held on the third Sunday in June in the United States.
I have super special celebratory gifts planned. Since my daughter is young, she’ll probably give her dad a homemade card. But, I’m adding on one of these books so they can read it together!
When should I start reading to my baby?
As soon as possible! Even if it’s a quick little board book in the beginning, get into the habit of reading to your baby immediately. I remember adding it onto my list of things to do when I had a newborn.
Make it a point to read with your child every single day.
See this article from Parents for more information: “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn” (click here for reference):
Studies have also shown that children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary, as well as more advanced mathematical skills, than other kids their age. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, for example, found that kids who are read to every day are exposed to around 78,000 words each year—over five years, that adds up to 1.4 million words heard during story time.
There’s also a direct link between how many words a baby hears each day and her language skills. One study found that babies whose parents spoke to them a lot scored higher on standard tests when they reached age 3 than children whose parents weren’t as verbal.
Parents, “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn”
Lessons from Stay-at-Home Moms
How do I read to my baby more?
I always say that the easiest way to read more books to your little one is to tack it onto an already formed routine. Reading before bedtime, around a mealtime, or after a nap are some of the best times to read with your baby.
Baby M loves to read by herself when I’m making her meals or in the car! By having lots of books in lots of places, it’s easy to keep your little one reading.
Baby Books to Celebrate Moms Everywhere
My Dad is Amazing by Sabrina Moyle
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang
Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang
Made for Me by Zack Bush
My Dad Loves Me! by Marianne Richmond
I Love Dad with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker
We Love Our Dad! by Jan Bernstain
Because of You, Dad by Kobi Yamada
Dad by My Side by Soosh
When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker
Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA by Jimmy Fallon
You Made Me a Dad by Laurenne Sala
Spot Loves His Daddy by Eric Hill
Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa
So, there are some of the best books to help your little one celebrate Father’s Day in 2022!
Spot Loves His Daddy and My Dad is Amazing are my favorites!
Are you familiar with any of the dad books above?
Let me know below!
O.
- Easter Traditions to Start with Your Baby or Toddler
- How I Get Over Writer’s Block
- How to Create a Home Learning Corner for Your One-Year-Old
- Lessons from Stay-at-Home Moms
- How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
30 Day Motherhood Blogging Challenge
Today I’m sharing 30 writing prompts for mom blogs! If you’re feeling stuck and in need of inspiration when you sit down to write, make sure you check out the ideas below!
Willpower and Motivation
Have you ever heard the idea that “willpower is a finite resource”? If you haven’t, then listen up.
You will run out of willpower.
You will not feel motivated every day.
You will procrastinate because it feels good in the moment.
If you’ve ever tried to do anything consistently (work out, get up early, WRITE), then you know what I’m talking about.
See this quote from Verywell:
Willpower is a limited resource.The idea behind this theory is that willpower is like a muscle in that it can be both strengthened and fatigued. For example, if you exhaust yourself doing sprints, you will be less able to perform other physical tasks.
Kendra Cherry, Verywell, “What is Ego Depletion?”
Habits
So, it’s not just you.
It can be frustrating to have a goal but be unable to reach it due to a lack of willpower or energy.
The good news is there’s a way to hack it.
The answer lies in habits.
Creating small, daily habits will improve your blog. There’s no doubt that writing every day will add more content to your site. Creating a number of Pins for Pinterest or connecting with a few other bloggers on Instagram will bring in more traffic.
There’s no better way to build up your blog than to practice consistency.
In 2021, I found myself in a place with lots of time to blog and not a lot of direction. In the beginning of the year I was sporadically posting and I didn’t feel like I was getting anything out of it.
How I Get Over Writer’s Block
I created some new habits.
I started getting up early so that I could write, uninterrupted.
I learned how to shut out distractions and how to do writing sprints.
I stopped waiting for inspiration to hit.
I stopped waiting for the motivation to come.
I leaned into my habits and the results that I got were invaluable. Not only did I add dozens of articles to my site, but I got into a writing rhythm. Writing every single day made me a better writer.
I got better at transferring my thoughts and formatting my articles.
Having those habits made me more efficient and creative.
Now, writing and working on my blog is as natural as making my bed or feeding the cat.
Here’s my favorite way to build new habits. The Harvard Business Review refers to it as “Piggybacking on a daily task”.
The benefit of micro habits is that you should be able to perform it with minimal effort every day. It’s important to execute on a new ritual daily so it becomes second nature, and if it’s small enough, you won’t be as tempted to defer your task from one day to the next. However, no matter the size of the task, it’s easy to get distracted, make excuses, or forget. Perform your new action at the same time as (or right before) an action you do without thinking. Need to read a paragraph each night? You can do that while brushing your teeth. Meditating for 30 seconds each day? Check that off your list while waiting for your coffee to brew.
Sabrina Nawaz, Harvard Business Review, “To Achieve Big Goals, Start with Small Habits”
Blogging Challenges
A blogging challenge is an excellent way to create a writing rhythm.
In my experience, writing every day is what works best for me. Whether it’s an hour or just ten minutes, writing everyday enforces that habit.
Blogtober was my first writing challenge. To this day, October 2021 serves as my statistical inspiration for blogging. I added 31 new posts and I saw my traffic almost double. I loved having a challenge to keep me consistent, with a finish line in sight.
5 Blogging Lessons I Learned in 2021
You can choose an online blogging challenge or create your own! I love using prompts when I’m feeling “stuck” or uninspired.
I compiled 30 writing prompts for motherhood/early childhood blogs. If writing a whole post every day is too much right now, try keeping the posts short or spread them out over two months.
Another way to do this challenge is to set a word count objective and to tailor each post to meet that goal.
You can move these around or alter them to fit your blog’s niche.
These prompts are also excellent for Instagram pages, if you aren’t a fan of long form content.
30 Day Motherhood Blogging Challenge
- About Me
- What’s in My Diaper Bag
- My Thoughts on…(sleep training/cloth diapering/BLW, etc)
- 10 Things I Can’t Live Without
- Favorite Outdoor Family Activities
- Summer Bucket List
- 10 Things About Me
- How I Practice Self Care as a New Mom
- My Baby’s Birth Story
- The Best Baby Books
- My Baby’s Favorite Toys
- Baby Clothes We Can’t Live Without
- How to Stay Energized as a New Mom
- My Postpartum Experience
- How My Relationships Changed After Kids
- A Letter to My Baby
- My Thoughts on Screen Time
- Overrated Baby Advice
- How to Road Trip with a Baby
- What I Wish I Knew Before Having Kids
- What’s in My Labor & Delivery Bag
- How to Keep Your Marriage Strong After Kids
- Day in the Life of a SAHM or Working Mom
- 10 Baby Items You Didn’t End Up Using
- My Top Parenting Hacks
- 5 Facts About Me
- How to Find the Time to Blog
- DIY Baby Toys
- Apps that Help Me Parent
- Favorite Baby/Toddler Meals
Have you ever done a blogging challenge? Have you written about any of the topics on this list?
Let me know below!
O.
- Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy
- How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
- Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved
- My Baby Knows What She Needs
- How I Get Over Writer’s Block
- Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Guest Post: Meals in 15 Minutes or Less
Today’s post is a guest post by Sheenia Jackson! She is sharing some quick and easy meals in 15 minutes of less!
Sheenia previously wrote a post on Moms in May, you can check it out here.
Be sure to visit her site and Instagram!
If you would like to guest post on Leaf and Steel please visit our Guest Post page to view requirements and ideas!
Let’s get into it…
I have to say the kitchen is my happy place! But as a busy mom with much to juggle, my favorite meals are those that are simple, fast, and delicious.
Usually, my ultimate cooking goal is to get a healthy meal on the table, while adding a few minutes back into my day. To me, that’s a Win-Win!
Summer is quickly approaching, which means moms will be busy planning family activities and feeding big appetites. In this article, I will be sharing three of my favorite summer recipes that are kind to your budget, ready within minutes, and sure to please your family any day of the week!
From Sunday dinners, to lazy weeknight meals, to game-day appetizers… these dishes include simple ingredients and are perfect for many occasions!
Tasty Shrimp Tacos
Fresh and delicious! This recipe features crisp veggies, a tasty homemade sauce, and fresh squeezed limes. What’s not to love?
Since the only thing we’re cooking is the shrimp, dinner will be served in no time, and you’ll soon be resting your feet!

What You’ll Need…
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb. shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Your favorite seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
Ideas for Toppings: white corn tortillas, shredded purple cabbage, sliced red onions, grated Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, fresh squeezed limes, sliced avocado
Let’s Make It!
- Start by rinsing your shrimp and patting it dry with paper towels. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add your favorite seasonings. I personally enjoy Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, and Kinder’s all-purpose seasoning blend. Follow your taste buds and make it your own!
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sauté the shrimp until cooked through (1-2 minutes per side). Set the shrimp aside…
- Toast the tortillas in a skillet or on a hot griddle. Just a couple seconds will do!
- Build your tacos by arranging your desired toppings and shrimp over each tortilla.
- In a small bowl, whisk the sauce ingredients and serve over tacos.
Easy Peasy, right?!
I usually opt for fresh shrimp in this recipe, but you can use frozen if you prefer. Just be sure to thaw before cooking.
Shrimp tacos aren’t the same without corn tortillas in my opinion, but feel free to use flour tortillas if you’d like.
Build-Your-Own taco night is a delicious theme to add to your summer meal planning.
If you haven’t already, give Shrimp Tacos a try!
Sheet Pan Nachos
Loaded nachos. Simple ingredients. Kid-friendly. What more can I say?
What You’ll Need…
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
- Choice of seasoning mix
- 12 oz. bag tortilla chips
- 14 oz. canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned will do)
- Shredded Mexican cheese
Ideas for Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded romaine lettuce, sliced red onions, fresh squeezed limes, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, diced jalapenos

Let’s Make It!
- Preheat your oven to 400F. Cover a large baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil.
- Season your meat with your favorite spices and cook in a skillet until browned, 5-10 minutes tops! Then drain excess fat.
- Place tortilla chips in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Top tortillas with cooked meat, pinto beans, corn and your desired amount of shredded cheese.
- Place into the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
For the seasoning mix, I like to use a combination of several spices. Some of my favorites include cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and honestly… whatever I have on hand!
You may also use a 1 ounce packet of store-bought taco seasoning mix if you prefer to go that route. You really can’t go wrong with a simple meal like this. Be creative, be flexible, and enjoy!
Sloppy Joe Sliders
Who doesn’t love an old childhood favorite every once in a while?
I love serving this meal because it brings back precious memories. But I do have to say, this version of “Sloppy Joes” is much tastier than the one I remember growing up.
In this recipe, we’re trading in the canned sauce for a sweet and zesty homemade sauce that takes little time to cook up!

What You’ll Need…
For the Beef:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
For the Sauce:
- 8 oz. canned tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ideas for Toppings: slider buns, sliced pickles, shredded lettuce
Let’s Make It!
- Add ground beef and minced garlic to a skillet, then cook until browned, 5-10 minutes. Drain grease from meat.
- Pour the sauce ingredients over the cooked meat and stir.
- Cover with a lid and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve on slider buns and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
If you get extremely lucky and have more time to spare, I highly recommend letting the meat sauce simmer just a tad bit longer. An extra 10 minutes will allow your sauce to reach peak flavor!
If you can’t spare the extra minutes, no worries!
Pair your sliders with potato chips or fresh fruit, and embrace the nostalgia!
Summing It All Up!
When it comes to quick and delicious meals, the options are endless.
The point of this article is to prompt you to think about fun and creative dinners to serve your family, without sacrificing TASTE, HEALTH, or TIME.
When using canned items in a recipe, try to aim for “organic” or “no sodium added” labels.
Remember, cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy… A few simple ingredients go a long way!
Homemade meals are the best, especially when they’re made EASY and with love.
Happy Cooking!
I’m Sheenia Denae, a SAHM who loves to write, cook, and create simple recipes.
You can find me on Instagram @made_to_be_marvelous or check out my website at sheeniadenae.wixsite.com/iwrite/
I’m always happy to share my thoughts, dishes, and other helpful tips with fellow mommas.
Let’s connect!

Thank you Sheenia for guest posting!
What did you think of the post?
Let us know below!
O.
Moms in May
Today’s post is a guest post by Sheenia Denae. Find her on Instagram or on her website!
We are always accepting guest posts on Leaf and Steel. You can find more information on submitting your post here.

The birds are chirping, the flowers are budding, and the wind is blowing at just the right speed! As nature prepares itself for summer, I think of all the fun things that are underway. Family vacations, backyard barbecues, and picnic lunches are just around the corner!
But there’s something else I love about May. Something that makes me look forward to this month more than all the others. This is the time of year when we’re celebrated for being moms!
I look forward to that special day where I’m pampered with gifts, showered with balloons, and recognized for my hard work and efforts toward raising my little munchkin! But as sweet as it is to be celebrated by others, I mostly look forward to the opportunities to celebrate myself.
As moms, we know that every day is Mother’s Day! That is why prioritizing our self-care is essential.
In this article, we will highlight a few ways for us to sneak in a little fun and add a little spice to our lives throughout the month of May!
Take a Class
The beautiful weather and pleasant temperatures this month brings makes it a perfect time for taking indoor or outdoor classes that spark our interest.
If you enjoy painting, cooking, or arranging flowers in your spare time, taking a class could be a great way to perfect your craft in either of those areas.
If you want to explore something totally new, on the other hand, such as music, dancing, or flying… taking a class could be a great way to change things up in your life.
Here’s a short list of just a few perks you can gain by taking a class:
- Mental relaxation
- Fun and enjoyment
- Learning a new skill
- Connecting with other great people
I’m not sure about you, but I was SOLD at “mental relaxation.” So think about it! If anything piques your interest that you haven’t had the chance to explore… now is the time!
Whatever direction you decide to take, taking a class would be a great way to carve out some quality time for yourself!
Dress to Impress
There’s an old saying that goes, “When we look good, we feel good.”
When was the last time you dressed up and felt good about yourself? I mean really good!
As moms, we tend to get so busy prioritizing everyone else’s needs that we neglect ourselves at times… especially when it comes to our wardrobes.
May presents the perfect time for us to ditch the yoga pants and sweatshirts, and pull out those gorgeous sundresses that we haven’t worn in a while.
Dressing up has been proven to increase energy and confidence, encourage creative thinking, and foster self-expression… which all sounds like self-care to me!
So for the month of May, try giving your sweatpants and t-shirts a break. They deserve it!
Explore the Great Outdoors
We can’t celebrate Moms in May without honoring the mother of all mothers… Our beautiful Mother Nature is a sight to behold!
Since we spend so much of our time indoors (cooking, cleaning, and tending to household tasks), May is a great time for us to commit to more outdoor activities.
If you’ve been looking for new ways to keep your Vitamin D levels up, here’s a list of some fun activities you can enjoy.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Bird watching
- Outdoor photography
The way you connect with nature doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. A simple morning walk can help clear your mind, increase your energy, and make you feel better throughout your day.
Take a minute to think about the ways you’d like to explore, and let the May adventures begin!
I’m a devoted wife, girl mom, and educator turned homemaker. After teaching for over 11 years, I decided to care for my family full time. I’m now a part time freelance writer, creating blog posts and articles for businesses and individuals in my spare time. My hobbies include cooking, reading recipes, and hiking with my family.
Find me on Instagram @made_to_be_marvelous or check out my website at sheeniadenae.wixsite.com/iwrite/
Lets Connect!
Thank you Sheenia for guest posting!
What did you think of the post?
Let us know below!
O.
Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life
Mother’s Day is just around the corner! I’ve gathered some of the most sought-after and special gifts to celebrate. These would also make excellent baby shower gifts, as well as amazing sip-and-see gifts! Hey, they’d even be easy new-mom presents.
If you’re a mom or have spent more than four minutes around a mom then you know that we are perpetually tired. Always. It does not matter if the baby slept through the night or not. it doesn’t matter how much sleep we get. There’s just something about mothering that is infallibly exhausting.
I didn’t realize what a currency sleep was until I had a child. There’s an endless list of things I would trade for a solid 8 hours of sleep. Sleep is everything.
These days, my little one is usually sleeping through the night. But, I still have to deal with my own revenge bedtime procrastination, the mental load, and my own hobbies and needs.
Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.
I’ve gathered a few of the best Mother’s Day gifts for the tired mom in your life!
10 Quotes about Motherhood
Ice Roller Face Massager
This one is my personal favorite. It felt so good on my face after being up all night with my baby. It’s never too cold and the large size makes it quick and easy to glide across the entire face as often as you need. – $17.99 from Walmart

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Long Robe
Ah yes, the obligatory Mother’s Day robe suggestion. There’s a reason you’ll always see robes on Mother’s Day gift guides: they’re practical, they’re comfortable, and they always fit.
This one from Barefoot Dreams is incredibly soft, lightweight, and machine washable. – $148 from Nordstrom

Vegan 24K Gold Eye Patches
A great way to restore tired eyes! These patches improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Store them in the fridge for extra relief. They can be used before bed or in the morning. Pair with the ice roller above for a refreshed and relaxed face. – $29.38 on Walmart

Stanley 24 oz Insulated Mug (in the color Blush)
This Stanley insulated mug has a cult following for a reason! “The double-wall insulation keeps your favorite beverage cold for up to 12 hours or iced for up to 40 hours. Unlike normal mugs, this is manufactured using 18/8 stainless steel, meaning it can take a beating.” The bottle is BPA free and has a wide mouth. – $19.82 from Walmart

CozyChic Throw Blanket from Barefoot Dreams
This ultra soft Barefoot Dreams blanket is nothing but dreamy. It’ll be easy for the tired mama in your life to sleep when the baby sleeps with this darling blanket. We share everything with our kids – a luxurious, mama-only blanket is a special treat for a tired mom. 54″x72″ and machine washable. – $147 from Nordstrom

Aromascape Asleep (Lavender & Eucalyptus) 3 Wick Scented Candle
A wonderful way to relax on Mother’s Day is with calming scents and warm light. This 3 wick lavender and eucalyptus candle is sure to help everyone wind down at the end of a long day. Pair with the pajamas below for the start of a relaxing bedtime routine. – $11.99 from Walmart

Essenza Mini Pure White Bundle from Nespresso
The most compact and affordable luxury espresso maker yet! This small Nespresso machine fits onto any counter and is sure to delight any coffee lover. Pair with a mom themed mug and premium coffee! – $219 from Nespresso

SKIMS Rib Pajamas (shown in Heather Gray)
Every mom needs a set of remarkably comfortable pajamas. SKIMS pajamas are high-rise with the perfect amount of stretch. I love the button down front and simple silhouette. They have so many fun colors to chose from! – $118 from Nordstrom

HATCH Rest Mini Sound Machine
Now, hear me out: I know sound machines are usually for the baby – but did you know they can help adults too? This Mother’s Day, let mom sleep in without the chaos on the other side of her bedroom door sounding through…It comes with eight different sounds: white noise, heartbeat, water, dryer, ocean, wind, rain, and birds. Control it all from your iPhone or Android. You can control the timer, dimer, sounds, volume, etc. – $40 from Saks Fifth Avenue

Are you celebrated on Mother’s Day?
Are you a tired mom who would love to receive something on this list?
Let me know below!
O.
- Life with My 8-Week-Old Vizsla Puppy
- How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
- Little Things I Do To Make my Baby Feel Loved
- My Baby Knows What She Needs
- How I Get Over Writer’s Block
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!
Doll Accessories with Madame Alexander
We love our stroller from Madame Alexander!
Madame Alexander was so kind to gift us Lily, Baby M’s first and favorite baby doll!

Now, we have the perfect matching stroller.
If you’d like to read more about dolls and play, check out my post “Why Your Child Needs a Doll with Madame Alexander“.

Click here to see more accessories from Madame Alexander!
#gifted
My Baby Knows What She Needs
Ah, let me just grab my megaphone and get onto my soapbox.
*I feel very strongly about this*
I will be screaming all of this into the void for the rest of my life.
Let’s begin.
My baby knows what she needs and it’s my job to listen to her and respect her.
I don’t know how we are in a place where “gentle parenting” even has a name and isn’t just called “parenting yet”. There shouldn’t really be another option, right? Either way, I’m happy society is moving in the right direction.
My daughter has a voice. She’s had a voice since she was in the womb. She would respond to different stimuli- cold water, Chipotle, light. Even before she was “here”, she’s been communicating with me.
My partner and I talked (and continue to talk) about how important it is for our daughter to understand consent and to know that her voice is hers.
I am not in her body, I don’t know what she needs. So, when she wakes up crying at 3 am for the eighth night in a row because she needs a sip of water – I’m not going to deny her water.
If she is rubbing her eyes an hour before her usual nap time, I put her to bed a little earlier. If she takes a few bites of her dinner and says “done”, then I believe that she’s done.
It’s these small moments that show her that I am listening and that I believe her.
Here are some ways we listen to our child.
- let her finish eating
- let her have more food
- let her nap when she’s tired
- respect her when she says “no” to a hug, kiss, etc.
- she doesn’t have to hug or be held by anyone if she doesn’t want to
That last one can be a little tricky, especially with family. Although she adores all of her family members, she doesn’t have to hug or be held by them if she doesn’t want to.
We are so grateful that our families respect her boundaries listen to her voice.
When we stop responding to our babies in the middle of the night, tell them they need to eat when they aren’t hungry, tell them they are “fine” when they tell us they feel sick, we are teaching them to go against their gut.
My baby has a gut. It’s hers. She has intuition. Kids are like dogs, they pickup on things adults do not. It’s my job as a parent to protect her gut and listen to her, to teach her how to use it.
Here are some things we do to keep her intuition intact:
- help her know the difference between a secret and a surprise
- tell her the difference between safe and unsafe touching
- tell her who to go to if she needs help
- remind her that mommy and daddy will always keep her safe
- remind her that there’s nothing she can do to make us stop loving her
I cannot wait for social media rules regarding parents and kids. I can’t wait for Instagram Coogan accounts.
I have this blog, I have social media. And I have a strict code of ethics when it comes to posting about my kid.
For the love of God, please stop posting bath pics. Stop telling strangers on the internet about potty training. Stop posting embarrassing videos, personal information, or school details.
Your child is a human being who ALREADY has thoughts and feelings.
Here are some of the ways we protect our child’s privacy:
- respecting when she doesn’t want her picture taken
- vigorously reviewing everything we post about her, including pictures
- not disclosing her medical information
- changing her privately rather than in front of people
- asking others to respect our wishes as far as posting pictures and information about her
I could go on and on.
I think it’s really important for all of us to take time every so often to reflect on the fact that kids are just smaller adults.
It’s important to review safety protocols and define respect for your family.
What are your thoughts?
What do you feel strongly about as a parent?
Let me know below.
O.
Guest Post: How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life
Today’s post is a guest post by Katie Conroy from advicemine.com. If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, head over here!
How to Be a More Self-Confident Mother and Enhance Your Life

Nobody said being a mom was easy. Motherhood is a big responsibility and comes with many expectations, both within and without. It can be daunting, and often overwhelming. How do you take care of someone else when looking after yourself is often a struggle? The answer is by being self-confident!
When you’re self-confident, you’re powerful. When you’re powerful, you can move mountains – or at least take care of your family and just live life better. Finding some extra self-confidence will go a long way toward making your journey as a mom smoother and more enjoyable. Today, Leaf and Steel offers some tested-and-true advice on becoming a more self-confident person (and mother):

Praise Yourself
When was the last time you said or admitted something good about yourself? Appreciating yourself for everything you do, big and small, is a necessary first step in feeling good about yourself. And when you feel good about yourself, you’re more confident in who you are – which in turn makes doing new things easier. See the self-perpetuating cycle here?
Practice praising yourself for how far you’ve come, how much you’ve achieved, and how well you take care of your loved ones. It’s how you’ll slowly and surely build up your self-confidence levels, says Mindvalley. It’s also a great way to improve the overall positivity of your household.

Be Okay with Being Judged
Being a mother opens you up to many judgments, as you’re doubtless aware. Everyone has an opinion on how you should raise your kids, and how well you’re doing. Not everyone will see your challenges and the sacrifices you make. The criticisms will flow, essentially, and praise may be non-existent – and that’s okay. Realize that the way people treat you says more about them than it does about you.
Learn to read people’s intentions instead of taking their words at face value. Be at peace with how you’re doing as a parent (and otherwise) – that’s what really matters.

Change Up Your Friend Circle
Do the people around you push you down or pull you up? As Sigmund Freud put it, “Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, make sure you are not just surrounded by idiots”. The people around you have a massive impact on your self-confidence, beliefs, and ways of being. If they’re supportive, caring, and kind, it’s easier to be comfortable in your own skin and be more self-confident. If they’re toxic or manipulative, they’re going to thrive on you being weak (not confident), and be invested in pulling you down. Set strong boundaries for existing relationships, and find better people, if necessary.
Go in a Different Career Direction
The work you do is an important part of your identity. Performing your job well and making a difference in other people’s lives, in whatever fashion, can help you gain self-respect. If you feel your career isn’t where it should be, or you’re concerned about balancing your current career with your family life, don’t hesitate to go back to school to enhance your prospects. For instance, an online degree in business could help you gain business acumen – whether your program of choice is business management, management and leadership, or marketing – and just become a more capable person overall.

Groom and Dress Well
Appearances matter. The way you look affects the way other people perceive you and treat you. More importantly, the way you look also affects how you perceive and treat yourself. By dressing well, visiting the spa, and taking care of your body and hair, you’re going to look and feel prettier. Don’t be afraid of indulging yourself every once in a while. If you make grooming a habit, you’ll quickly witness an increase in your self-confidence levels.
Take Care of Your Body
Your body, along with your mind and emotions, is one of the pillars of your existence. You must look after it well to keep it beautiful and healthy. When your body is in good shape, you have plenty of energy, feel more capable, and can do more. If you don’t look after your body enough, you are going to feel down, drained, and incapable. Start a fitness routine, eat healthier, and do your best to fulfill your body’s needs to be more self-confident.

Allow Failure to Teach You
Success is at the end of the road riddled with failures. Don’t let your failures destroy your self-confidence. Society often conditions us to feel bad about our mistakes, with guilt and self-criticism becoming our constant companions. It’s important to understand that making mistakes is being human. No one is perfect, and you don’t learn to walk without falling down a few times. In fact, falling is intrinsic to understanding how to not fall. Mistakes teach you what not to do next time. They’re priming you for success if you let them.
Trust Yourself
When you trust, you’re confident in something or someone. You trust the ground to be solid, water to be wet, and probably your parents to care about you – but do you trust yourself? Trust is intrinsic to confidence. Most people trust themselves in some ways, but not others. You probably trust yourself to get out of bed without assistance, for example, but do you trust yourself to return a million dollars you found lying on the ground?

The answer, for most people, is maybe! You should choose to trust yourself to return the money (or not. Hey, it’s a million dollars, we make no judgments here). The key part is choosing to trust yourself to do or be a certain way. If you aren’t there yet, trust that you’re still learning how, and you will get there in time. You have to crawl before you can walk. Trust the process, and do attempt.
Confidence takes time to build up. It’s tied to how you feel and think about yourself – and changing your mindset isn’t something that will happen overnight. Be persistent, set short-term and long-term goals, and learn how to be there for yourself while you make changes (big or small). You will, eventually, get there – and you will be able to teach your kids to be the same way. It helps everyone, so don’t hesitate to invest in yourself.
Katie Conroy enjoys writing and created advicemine.com where she shares advice from her experiences, education & research. She particularly enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education and research.
You can find Katie at advicemine.com, or shoot her an email at info@advicemine.com !
Thank you, Katie, for your article!
For more information on guest posting on Leaf and Steel, click here!
What do you do to build confidence as a parent?
Let us know below!
O.
Baby Books to Celebrate Moms Everywhere
Mother’s Day is almost here! What better way to share your love of mom with your little one than by reading books on the subject!
Keep reading to see ten of the best baby books to celebrate any mom in 2022.
This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.
I don’t know about you, but we have books strewn all over our house. They’re everywhere. There are books for the bathtub, books for the stroller, books for grandparents’ houses and books for the car….

“Can you read your book while you wait” is an everyday phrase in our house. My daughter has been a voracious reader since the beginning. I love how much she loves to read! I credit our dedication to reading every day since birth (okay, not every day, I’m human).
In my experience, reading and motherhood go hand in hand!
There’s nothing sweeter than having my daughter crawl into my lap with her favorite book. As much as I love our snuggles during Puffin Rock or Elmo, reading a great children’s book with her is a joy like no other.

When is Mother’s Day this year?
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th, 2022. Mother’s Day is held on the second Sunday in May in the United States.
When should I start reading to my baby?
As soon as possible! Even if it’s a quick little board book in the beginning, get into the habit of reading to your baby immediately. I remember adding it onto my list of things to do when I had a newborn.
Read with your child every single day.

See this article from Parents for more information: “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn” (click here for reference):
Studies have also shown that children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary, as well as more advanced mathematical skills, than other kids their age. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, for example, found that kids who are read to every day are exposed to around 78,000 words each year—over five years, that adds up to 1.4 million words heard during story time.
There’s also a direct link between how many words a baby hears each day and her language skills. One study found that babies whose parents spoke to them a lot scored higher on standard tests when they reached age 3 than children whose parents weren’t as verbal.
Parents, “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn”
How do I read to my baby more?
I always say that the easiest way to read more books to your little one is to tack it onto an already formed routine. Reading before bedtime, around a mealtime, or after a nap are some of the best times to read with your baby.
Baby M loves to read by herself when I’m making her meals or in the car! By having lots of books in lots of places, it’s easy to keep your little one reading.
What are the best books about moms for babies?
I’ve compiled a list of some classics and newer titles.
My personal favorite is The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. I fell apart the first time I read it. There was something so sweet and comforting about the mama bunny accepting the baby bunny’s rebellion.
The illustrations by Clement Hurd are vibrant and iconic. I would love to hang some prints from this book in my next nursery.

I was encouraged (by the internet) to read to my baby while I was pregnant, that she would be comforted by the sound of my voice. The Runaway Bunny was always my go-to pregnancy read. Of course, I fully expected my infant daughter to have some kind of reaction to me reading the book when she was out. She made it very clear that the book was not her cup of tea…
My goal as a parent is to be “the tree” that my daughter can come home to.
Baby Books to Celebrate Moms Everywhere
The Runaway Bunny, Margaret Wise Brown

I Love Mom with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Eric Carle

Is Your Mama a Llama?, Deborah Guarino

Are You My Mother?, P.D. Eastman

I Love You, Mommy, Jillian Harker

The Invisible String, Patrice Karst

My Mom Loves Me!, Marianne Richmond

Why a Son Needs a Mom, Gregory E. Lang

Why a Daughter Needs a Mom, Gregory E. Lang

A Mother for Choco, Kelko Kasza

So, there are some of the best books to help your little one celebrate mother’s day this year!
Are you familiar with any of the books above? Have you read The Runaway Bunny?
How do you plan on celebrating the moms in your life this year?
Let me know below!
O.
- Easter Traditions to Start with Your Baby or Toddler
- How I Get Over Writer’s Block
- How to Create a Home Learning Corner for Your One-Year-Old
- Lessons from Stay-at-Home Moms
- How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick
If you are interested in guest posting on Leaf and Steel, please check out our Guest Post page for guidelines!